Fall came to Equestria, as evident by the slight changes in leaf color and the kids going back to school. Summer seemed to have lasted longer than usual this year for some reason. At least, it felt like it to me.
Applebloom and I were helping Applejack buck some of the apples in the orchard.
“Thank you for helpin’ me and Applebloom with these apples, Spike,” said Applejack. “I swear, it’s like we got a second Applebuck Season this year!”
“No problem,” I said as I kicked a tree. “At least you accepted my help this year.”
“Aww, Spike, can you let that go? I was just a little stubborn back then.” Applejack sighed. “Oh, I nearly forgot to tell ya. Babs Seed sent us a letter, she—”
“She finally got her cutie mark!” Applebloom interrupted.
“Really? That’s great!” I exclaimed as I picked up a bucket. “What’s her talent?”
“I dunno. Her cutie mark is a pair of scissors, so I guess it might mean her talent’s cutting manes and such.”
“Huh, interesting. You’d think she and Snips would get along? His cutie mark is a pair of scissors as well.” I chuckled a little.
Applebloom picked up another bucket. “I doubt it. Anyway, I told the CMC about it, and we wondered what Babs might do since she’s not a Cutie Mark Crusader anymore.”
“Who decided that? Nopony said she can’t help others find their cutie mark. Sure she found her special talent, but it shouldn’t force her away from the club and her blank flank friends. She can still guide those who are looking for their special talent. At least, that’s my two bits on it.”
“Well, honestly, I felt like that should be true. I had this nightmare about gettin’ a cutie mark. (I know, ironic since I’m a Cutie Mark Crusader.) That’s when I learned that a cutie mark won't change who we are or how everypony feels about us. So the next morning, the girls ‘n’ I sent a care package to Manehattan for Babs so she wouldn't feel worried about receivin’ her cutie mark.”
The “Bloom and Gloom” episode. Well, it wasn’t like I could change it by visiting Applebloom’s dreams.
Applebloom and I put the baskets in the barn. Applejack came up to us with two more on her back.
“Hey, Applejack, are you and Rainbow Dash gonna do the Iron Pony competition this year?” I asked.
“Nah, that was only a one-time thing for me ‘n’ Rainbow.” Applejack put her baskets next to the others. “You could try bringin’ it back. Ya just need somepony to challenge ya.”
“Ah, I don’t think so. It’s an Iron Pony competition, not an Iron Dragon competition.”
“It’s just a name, Spike. I am gonna participate in the Runnin’ of the Leaves again this year, so if RD wants ‘nother shot, she’s willin’ to join me.”
“Actually, I heard the Runnin’ of the Leaves was gonna be two parts this year,” Applebloom said. “One for the beginning of fall, and one for the beginning of winter.”
“Huh, didn’t know that.”
“I guess it was because last year, a lot of trees still had leaves even before winter came,” I said. “So it would make sense for the ponies to do the marathon again.”
We returned to the orchard with empty baskets and continued our applebucking.
One day, Twilight and Starlight were in the throne room working on Starlight’s friendship lessons via flash cards. I sat on the opposite side of the table reading one of my comic books.
“Alright, Starlight,” said Twilight. “Third question: You see somepony accidentally drop their bag of bits right in front of you. What do you do?”
“I let them know they dropped it and give it back to them,” Starlight replied.
“Good job.” Twilight pulled out another flash card. “Fourth question: It’s a florist’s birthday today. What would you give them as a present?”
Starlight gasped. “The map!”
“Uhh...I’m sorry, Starlight, that’s not correct. I’d accept any form of gardening supplies or flowers, but I’m afraid a map isn’t—”
“No, Twilight,” I said as I peeked over my comic book. “She’s saying the map is activated.”
Twilight looked to see the crystal table revealing the map of Equestria. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark appeared on the map.
“Looks like RD and Pinkie need to solve a friendship problem,” I said.
“But where?” Twilight put her flashcards away.
We watched as the cutie marks moved from Ponyville, through the mountains, and finally stopping near Griffonstone.
So “The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone” is still happening. Figures.
Rainbow Dash blasted through the double doors.
“Twilight!” Rainbow shouted with glee. “Is the map calling for me?! My cutie mark’s glowing here!”
Twilight nodded. “It called for Pinkie Pie, too. Both of you are going to Griffonstone.”
Rainbow’s wings drooped. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Oh, Rainbow.” I closed my comic book. “Pinkie may be annoying, but she’s still your friend. You shouldn’t—”
“That’s not what I’m disappointed about. Do I really have to visit Griffonstone?”
“Well, I doubt there’s a way to reject the friendship problem or do it while staying at Ponyville.”
Rainbow Dash slumped on her throne like an annoyed child. A few minutes later, Pinkie Pie came pronking in.
“Twilight! Twilight!” She exclaimed. “The map’s calling for me! My flank’s shining!”
“So was Rainbow Dash’s,” said Twilight.
She and Pinkie then gazed at the model of Griffonstone on the map.
“This is so exciting,” Twilight said as she pulled out a book. “The map is summoning you to Griffonstone, the very heart of the griffon kingdom! I don't know if either of you have read ‘Bygone Griffons of Greatness’, but griffons were known to be—”
“Rude, insensitive bullies?” Rainbow asked.
“You mean Gilda?”
“Yeah, I mean Gilda!”
“Who’s Gilda?” Starlight asked.
“One of Rainbow Dash’s old friends from flight school,” I replied.
“When she came to visit Ponyville, she was a total jerk to all my friends, especially Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow pointed out.
“She was a bit of a party pooper,” Pinkie said while lying on her back.
“Yikes.” Starlight covered her mouth.
“So, maybe Gilda was a little rude,” said Twilight. “You still get to go to Griffonstone, and according to this book, it has a rich, fascinating history!”
Twilight then gave a history lesson to all four of us on King Grover and the Idol of Boreas.
“It's said that that one great treasure is responsible for turning Griffonstone into the most majestic kingdom of all the land,” Twilight concluded. “It’s a shame about what happened to the place, though.”
“What happened to the place, though?” Pinkie asked.
“Spike said that last time he was there, Griffonstone had fallen under dilapidation for many moons because the idol got stolen by Arimaspi.”
“So we find the idol and restore the kingdom, right?” Rainbow asked.
“You didn’t let me finish,” Twilight sternly replied. “Spike managed to find the idol and give it back to the griffons, but it didn’t seem to do anything.”
“But who’s to say that Griffonstone hasn’t tried to get back on its feet?” I asked. “I mean, it’s been a while since I’ve been to Griffonstone, so the griffons could be in the process of restoring the kingdom by now.”
Rainbow groaned. “Don’t tell me this is another one of those missions where we have to resolve differences on how to operate the town!”
“You’ll just have to wait and see,” said Twilight.
“Why do you care so much about griffons anyway, Twilight?”
“It was actually Gilda's visit that made me curious. So I picked up this book, and I've been hooked ever since!” Twilight sighed. “Now you two get to see Griffonstone with your very own eyes.”
“Just me and Rainbow Dash?” Pinkie asked.
“Hey, you can totally take my place if you want, Twilight,” Rainbow offered. “I still have half a nap to finish.”
“Why don't you just come with us? I mean, you are the Princess of Friendship, Twilight.”
Twilight shook her head. “No, no, if the map wanted me to go to once was the coolest kingdom in all of Equestria and help the griffons restore what was once theirs, I'm sure it would've said so. You two can handle whatever the issue is just fine. I'll stay here and do important princessy things...I guess.”
“Come on, Twilight,” Starlight said. “There’s no shame in going. I mean, I went with you girls when you were summoned to my old town, and the map didn’t even call for me. All you have to do is not interfere.”
“She has a point,” I said. “As long as you let Rainbow and Pinkie sort things out on their own.”
Twilight bit her lip. “I’m sorry, but it’s better if I stay here. I might end up helping by mistake.”
“Suit yourself.”
“Well then, come on, Dashie!” Pinkie announced. “We're going to Griffonstone!”
Rainbow sighed. “Fine.”
“That's the spirit!” Pinkie pulled out and blew on a party horn.
Starlight, Twilight, and I waved Pinkie and Rainbow goodbye as they took the train to Griffonstone.
“Tell Gabby and Gallus I said hi!” I shouted.
“I hope that booklet will help them,” said Twilight.
“I’m surprised you wrote that in such little time,” said Starlight.
“Well, it’s back to the castle, I guess.”
“Hey, girls, I was thinking,” I said. “Why don’t we try working on restoring the Castle of the Two Sisters again?”
Twilight’s ears perked up. “Oh, right! I completely forgot. Yeah, maybe we should work on that.”
“Are you two talking about those ruins above the Tree of Harmony?” Starlight asked. “Isn’t it a bit too late to restore it?”
“Not really, Starlight. The girls and I tried to spruce it up during the beginning of the summer, but we never finished. I don’t know if it was due to time constraints or that it was too much work overall. It wouldn’t hurt to give it another shot. Let’s see how much more work needs to be done.”
We trekked through the Everfree Forest and approached the ruins.
“We did a bit of cleaning and disposing last time,” said Twilight. “Although, we might have to do a bit more.”
“So we’re going to restore all of it before wintertime?” Starlight asked.
“Not all of it. We should focus on restoring some of the walls and roofs for now.” Twilight picked up a small brick. “If we can find out what materials they used, we can order some to patch up a couple of rooms.”
I said, “We can also try to find some building plans for the castle so we’d know the exact layout and dimensions.”
“You think there’s gonna be something like that still around?”
“The books here seemed to have held up nicely for a thousand years. Who’s to say the same can’t be said for ancient blueprints?”
“I didn’t see any last time I was here. But it wouldn’t hurt to look.”
We entered the ruin’s library and searched through the remainder of the old books and scrolls. Unfortunately, our search turned up null as the books we found were either in an old language we couldn’t understand or became too ruined to be read.
“Any luck?” Twilight asked Starlight and me.
We both shook our heads.
“I don’t speak Old Ponish,” I said. “I can’t tell if these scrolls are ancient spells, blueprints, or the Princesses’ old grocery lists.”
“Why can’t we just ask Princess Celestia and Luna?” Starlight offered. “I mean, they did live here before. Maybe they still know how the castle works.”
“Yeah, why don’t we try that? It’s not like we’re planning this restoration project as a surprise or anything. Oh, how about their journal? Is it still here?”
“I gave it back to them a while ago, Spike,” Twilight replied. “I doubt they want me to read through it again.”
“Then we’ll send them a letter.” I pulled out a parchment and quill. “Whenever you’re ready.”
Twilight rubbed her chin. “Alright.” She then cleared her throat.
“Dear Princess Celestia,
My student, assistant, and I were roaming the Castle of the Two Sisters, and we had a few questions about the place. First of all, do you recall keeping any plans for the construction of the castle? Secondly, what materials were used for the main walls and ceiling? We’ve had thoughts about fixing the place up.
If you do not have anything, that’s okay. We’ll try our best to figure it out ourselves.
Sincerely,
Twilight Sparkle.”
I signed Twilight’s name on the scroll and used my fire breath to send it away.
“Let’s hope she responds quickly.” Twilight shivered. “Ooh. We better head back. I can feel the autumn breeze kicking in.”
“Sure it’s not ghosts?” I joked.
“Very funny.”
The three of us left the ruins with a couple of books and bricks. My ears picked up a weird howling sound, but I shook my head.
Back at our castle, Twilight examined one of the mossy blocks while reading a book titled, “Ancient Architecture.”
“How’s the process?” Starlight asked as she entered the library.
“Not so good.” Twilight put her magnifying glass down. “Apparently, construction materials weren’t as varied back then as they are today. I can’t find anything specific other than ‘stone bricks.’ What kind of stone did they use for those? That’s what I need to know.”
“Any news from the princesses?”
“Not yet,” I replied.
Starlight sat down next to us. “I wonder how Pinkie and Rainbow are holding up. You think they’re done with their friendship problem by now?”
“Hard to say,” I replied. “Does the map tell us?”
“Did it not tell you when the seven of us went to my old town?”
“I was doing an O&O session at the time. All I remember was that it was still up when you girls left, so I guess it disappears when you girls solve the friendship problem.”
“I can go check right now.”
“You do that.”
As Starlight left the library, I looked at one of the blocks.
“So are we going to hire a construction company to help us?” I asked. “I don’t know about you, but I’m not experienced in making brick walls for ruins.”
“It would depend on our budget,” Twilight replied.
All of a sudden, I felt a squeeze in my stomach. I burped out the scroll with the usual green flames.
“That must be the princess,” I said.
Twilight opened the scroll. “‘Dear Twilight, I just got your letter…’ Ah, here we go. ‘I vaguely remember the exact materials used on our old castle; however, I remember they used common stone bricks for the majority of the castle. Whatever modern brand you use would work similar to, if not the same as, the old bricks. I know of a reliable construction company in Ponyville who is willing to rebuild the castle for you. I provided their information on the back of this letter. As for the building plans, I do not believe we still have them, but I will search the Canterlot Archives for any just in case.’”
“At least we don’t have to worry about the type of stone bricks,” I said.
Twilight finished reading the letter and flipped it over. “Oh, I think I’ve seen their place here in Ponyville. Applejack told me she gets help from them in case her family needs the extra hooves for some of their projects.”
“Hey, guys,” Starlight called out as she reentered the library. “I don’t see the map on the table anymore.”
I stood up. “I guess now we just wait for Pinkie and Rainbow to...”
“We’re back!” A voice shouted through the halls.
“Nevermind.”
The three of us exited the library and hurried to the front door just to see Pinkie and RD come in. The former was eating a plain-looking scone.
“Good to see you girls back! So how was it?” Twilight asked.
Pinkie replied, “Well, I told Gilda they could be improved with a bit of baking powder, so...”
“I think Twilight’s talking about the friendship quest,” I corrected.
“Oh, that.” Pinkie swallowed the last of the scone and spoke rapidly, “When we entered Griffonstone, it was quite a dump, so your comments about the place made a lot of sense. Oh, and we met Gilda there! I know, right? Gilda’s a griffon, Griffonstone has griffons… Anywho, we were trying to figure out how to help Griffonstone. Since the idol was already returned to them, they should’ve gotten the kingdom restored, right? So Dashie and I went around the place thinking about why the griffons never bothered sprucing the place up. When we asked Grampa Gruff if the griffons did anything to restore Griffonstone, we found out they did zilch, even with the idol back. Turns out none of the griffons bothered befriending one another, let alone coming together to help out. So we gave them a nudge in the right direction by helping one of the griffons rekindle a lost friendship. And that griffon was Gilda, again. She and Dashie made up, and soon she made better scones. Did I mention she sold scones? I don’t think I mentioned she sold scones. Moving on, after Gilda sold one of her new scones to a satisfied customer, our cutie marks glowed again. I think that meant our mission was done. Before we left, we wanted Gilda to spread friendship across Griffonstone while we were gone. And that was our friendship mission. Anything else to add, Dashie?”
“Uh...no. You pretty much recapped the majority of it,” Rainbow said.
At least you, Pinkie, and Gilda weren’t hanging off the edge of a cliff.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed that the episode still happened. I thought that once the idol returned, the griffons would be somewhat pleased and tried to do something with Griffonstone. Although, I was able to help the girls resume that castle restoration project that they abandoned for some reason. I just hoped the construction company’s fees would be affordable.
“Oh, Twilight? Could you spare a few bits?” Pinkie asked.
“I told you to bring some over to Griffonstone,” Twilight replied.
“I did! I did! It’s just that the train food is very costly these days.”
“Right. I forgot about your sweet tooth.”
More like sweet teeth.